Luxury vs. Budget Travel: Where to Go for the Best Value Abroad

Let’s not sugarcoat it — travel costs money. Some people are out here dropping $700 a night on ocean-view suites. Others are sleeping in bunk beds and living off $2 noodles. Both are doing it right. There’s no “correct” way to travel — but if you’re wondering where your money will go furthest, luxury vs. budget travel becomes a pretty interesting debate. So, if you’re looking to travel smart — whether you’ve got stacks or you’re scraping coins together — here’s where you should be going to get the most for your money. Spoiler: It’s not Switzerland.

Traveling Fancy Without Going Bankrupt

Talking about luxury vs. budget travel, you want to feel a little bougie. Hey, no shame. We all want to be pampered sometimes. But you also don’t want to get home and cry when your credit card bill arrives. The trick? Go where luxury doesn’t cost like luxury.

1. Bali

If Bali isn’t already on your radar, it should be. For the price of a mediocre hotel in LA, you can stay in a full-blown villa with a private pool, jungle views, and staff who’ll bring you pancakes in bed. And yes, you can get a massage every single day for less than lunch at Chipotle.

2. Thailand

Think rooftop bars, infinity pools, and spa treatments — for dirt cheap. Bangkok gives you that luxe city vibe, while places like Krabi and Koh Samui serve up beachfront chill. You can feel like royalty here on a backpacker’s budget.

3. Portugal

You want Europe but not the “everything costs double” experience? Portugal's answer. Lisbon, Porto, even the Algarve — they’re all beautiful, full of culture, and way more affordable than Paris or Rome.

Ballin’ on a Budget

On the flip side, maybe you don’t care about robes and room service. Maybe you just want to go, eat good food, see cool stuff, and not come home broke. You’re in luck.

1. Vietnam

Let me put it this way: you can eat like a king, sleep comfortably, and travel the entire length of the country for the price of one fancy dinner in London. And the food? Unreal. Bun cha, pho, fresh spring rolls… you’ll eat better here on $10 a day than you ever have at home.

2. Mexico (not Cancun)

Go beyond the resorts — think Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida. You’ll find killer food, cool art scenes, and a ridiculous amount of value for your money. Local buses, cheap eats, budget-friendly Airbnbs — it's all there.

3. Georgia (yes, the country)

Want mountain views, homemade wine, and friendly locals for next to nothing? Georgia is wildly underrated. You can stay in a guesthouse with homemade meals and drink some of the best wine you’ve ever heard of — all on a broke traveler budget.

So, Which Travel Style’s Better?

Hot take: Neither. Luxury vs. budget travel isn’t about what’s better — it’s about what you’re into. Some trips are made for splurging. Others are better when you’re living simply and getting lost in a new city. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle. You could stay in hostels most nights and then splurge on one night in a dreamy hotel. Or you live it up in a resort but hit the local street food stalls instead of fancy restaurants every night. Mix it up. That’s where the fun is.

Final Thought: Travel How You Want

Here’s the truth: No one cares how you travel except you. Stay in a villa. Crash in a hostel. Blow your budget on one night in a castle. Sleep on a train. It’s all part of the story. Luxury vs. budget travel doesn’t have to be a choice. You can switch it up as you go. Some days are for rooftop cocktails. Some days are for $1 dumplings and sketchy buses. As long as you’re out there living it, you’re doing it right. Check out our website for more details. Also Read: Top 7 Famous Travel Destinations You Can Visit In 2025